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Writer's pictureDr. Julianna Allen

Motherhood Shouldn't Mean Accepting Pain

Updated: Aug 12

The number of times I have heard the words, "My doctor told me it's normal," is frankly upsetting.

Motherhood Shouldn't Mean Accepting Pain

Motherhood may not be unending joy, but it should not equate to suffering.


What I see: Many types of dysfunction are common post-partum. From leaking urine, pain with sex, back pain with lifting your child, moms often don't realize they don't have to suffer when there is a solution.


Please don't accept:

  1. Leaking if you are more than 3 months postpartum. Do I expect you to leak during the first few weeks? Of course! But has it been 6 months? It's time to address how your body has changed and stop leaking.

  2. Pain with sex is more common after childbirth due to perineal tearing and hormonal changes.

  3. Constipation or pain with defecation (pooping). Your muscles might be trying to hold on for dear life to try keep you from peeing all of the time. If they are overactive, or tight, you may have trouble going #2. You might also be lifting incorrectly, leading to too much downward pressure on your pelvic floor muscles, causing them to react upward.

  4. Back and pelvic girdle pain or pain in your back, hips, or sacroiliac joint (SIJ) may exist because of the increased laxity of your joints from pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  5. Fear of exercise. Your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles were distended to allow for your pregnancy. Getting back to the level of exercise you want can be intimidating.

  6. Pelvic heaviness or pelvic organ prolapse is common and can feel like you always have a tampon in. It can get in the way of emptying your bladder and be bothersome.

Motherhood Shouldn't Mean Accepting Pain


The good news is: pelvic floor PT can help address all of these concerns.


Important tips to remember:


Taking care of mom means taking care of baby: New moms often feel like they have to hold the world on their shoulders. Stop and take time for yourself, it will help you raise your little ones.


Use your support system: This is the time to call in friends, relatives, or anyone in your social support circle. Ask for food, time to sleep, cleaning.


Once postpartum, always postpartum: Did you have your baby years ago? Your body is still different! Rehabilitation can take place 30 years after having your children and be effective.



 

If you have pelvic health concerns and would like to see how our therapists at

Embrace can help, follow the link to schedule your free discovery call.



Embrace Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Somerville Massachusetts




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